US Approves $65m Sale of Cessna Aircraft to Iraq

By John Lee.
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq for AC-208 aircraft and related equipment, training, and support.
The estimated cost is $65.3 million.
The Government of Iraq requests to purchase two (2) Cessna AC-208 aircraft that include: dual rail LAU-131 Hellfire launcher capability on each wing, AN/ALE-47 electronic countermeasure dispenser, AN/AAR-60 Missile Launch Warning System, AN/AAQ-35 ElectroOptical Infrared Imaging System, contractor aircraft modifications, spare parts, publication updates, aircraft ferry, and miscellaneous parts.
Iraq originally purchased three (3) AC-208 and three (3) C-208 aircraft in 2008. The Cessna aircraft are used to support Iraqi military operations against al-Qaeda affiliate and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) forces. The purchase of two (2) additional aircraft enables the Iraqi Air Force to continue its fight against ISIL. Iraq will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.
The principal contractor is Orbital ATK, Falls Church, VA.(Source: DSCA)